All KRA Customs Officers At JKIA And Other Entry Points To Wear Body Cams

Kenya Revenue Authority (KRA) has commissioned 350 Body Worn Cameras countrywide, becoming one of the few tax administrations globally, and the first in the region, to deploy the cameras. This marks a major milestone in the modernization of border management in Kenya.

The Body Worn Cameras will be deployed at all border points across the country to support evidence collection and enhance professionalism and integrity within customs operations.

Speaking during the launch, KRA Commissioner General Mr. Humphrey Wattanga said that by accurately documenting officer-public interactions, the system protects officers from unfounded allegations while safeguarding traders and members of the public from any staff misconduct.

“The presence of real-time recording is expected to deter corruption, reduce confrontation, and foster mutual trust,” said Mr. Wattanga.

The Commissioner General emphasized that the adoption of Body Worn Cameras is not merely a technological upgrade but a deliberate step toward cultural change, reinforcing integrity, professionalism, and public confidence in the Authority.

“The deployment underscores Kenya’s commitment to safeguarding its borders while facilitating legitimate trade in an increasingly interconnected world. As the first tax administration in the region to operationalize Body Worn Cameras at this scale, KRA has set a new benchmark for innovation and accountability in customs enforcement,” he added.

The cameras will be supported by four data storage servers, integrated docking stations, and complementary docking systems. The Authority has also established a Central Command Centre to manage and monitor footage, ensuring structured oversight, secure storage, and proper review mechanisms.

In addition, the cameras are equipped with real-time GPS positioning for location tracking, LTE connectivity to enable live streaming and remote monitoring, and secure recording capabilities. These features enhance situational awareness, strengthen supervision of field operations, and promote accountability at all levels of enforcement.

Speaking at the event, Commissioner for Customs and Border Control Dr. Lilian Nyawanda said the deployment of Body Worn Cameras comes against the backdrop of increasingly complex enforcement environments.

“In recent years, customs and border control officers have encountered organized smuggling networks and hostile situations during enforcement operations, with some cases proving difficult to conclude due to a lack of real-time photographic or video evidence. The new system addresses these gaps by enabling real-time recording, live streaming, and secure preservation of audio-visual evidence to support investigations and prosecutions,” said Dr. Nyawanda.

She added that customs officers will be required to wear the cameras during passenger clearance at international airports, verification of goods at seaports and inland container depots, operations at One Stop Border Posts, as well as during surveillance, border patrols, and the rummaging of vessels, vehicles, and aircraft. The system will also support multi-agency enforcement operations and monitoring of customs-controlled areas such as bonded facilities and export processing zones.

The Body Worn Camera system was officially commissioned today at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA). The initiative signals a new era of enhanced transparency, accountability, and operational efficiency in customs enforcement.

Beyond revenue collection, KRA is mandated to facilitate legitimate trade while securing Kenya’s land borders, territorial waters, and air entry points. As global trade and cross-border movements continue to expand, customs administrations play a critical role as the first line of defence against illicit trade, smuggling, counterfeit goods, narcotics, weapons, and other harmful products that threaten public health, national security, and economic stability.

The project has been implemented with support from development partners, including the World Bank, as part of broader initiatives to strengthen coordinated border management.

The launch at JKIA sends a clear message that Kenya’s borders are becoming more secure, its systems more transparent, and its enforcement mechanisms more responsive to the demands of modern trade and security.

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